Midweek Happy Hour doesn't have to mean overpriced martinis or cheap, watered-down beer. Drink your antioxidants, and this week, drag your co-workers to the local wine bar.

Here are some ideas to tempt your palate:

Tuesday (8/12)

1. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Halsted, Bodega Ba Ba Reeba: Taste more than 30 Spanish wines and cavas, tapas and paella. Starts at 6 p.m. and costs $35. Register online.
2. Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard, Every Tuesday: $3 tasting portions, $10 custom wine flights

Wednesday (8/13)

1. Chocolate Grape, 2113 W. Division, goes to the dogs with Canine and Wine. Bring your dog and sip wine alfresco on the patio. From 7-9 p.m., select wines are only $5, and they're offering specials on Wicker Park baskets, sandwiches and salads.
2. Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard, Every Wednesday: Wine and She's Wednesdays. Grab your girlfriends and get a free cheese plate when you buy a bottle of wine. (And catch me there Wednesday checking it out.)

Thursday (8/14)

1. Swirl Wine Bar, 111 W. Hubbard, Every Thursday: House-made sangria, $5 glasses, $15 pitchers
2. Enoteca Piattini, 934 W. Webster Ave., Every Thursday, 1/2 price bottles of sparkling wine

I'll add to the list as I hear more. Know about other events going on? Post 'em in the comments.

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